Sr. Communications Strategist (Hybrid - La Crosse, WI)

Are you ready to join an organization where we focus on People First, have fun at work and make a difference in what we do?

Dairyland is proud of our People First culture centered around appreciation, celebrating wins and collaboration. We’ve worked hard to ensure alignment between our culture and our processes and systems, learning and development and rewards and recognition programs.

As a team, we work together to leverage the team’s diverse perspectives, ideas and experiences to deliver nothing less than the best. We are collaborative, transparent and committed to our People and their work experience, growth and professional development.

Hiring Salary Range: $89,000 - $133,500

Compensation is determined by a combination of factors, including but not limited to education, work experience, and certifications. The actual offer may vary, reflecting the candidate's unique blend of experience, educational background, and skill level

PURPOSE : With minimal guidance from a supervisor or communications leader, employees in this role provide strategic communications and stakeholder engagement support for assigned large transmission projects, business initiatives and external-facing priorities. This role uses business, project, regulatory and stakeholder insights to develop communication strategies, messaging and materials that support understanding, protect Dairyland Power Cooperative’s reputation and advance business objectives. Communications materials, public statements and external messaging are prepared for leadership review and approval prior to release, and communications activities are executed at the direction of leadership on behalf of Dairyland. This role requires strong strategic planning, sound judgment, composure in high-conflict environments and excellent verbal and written communication skills.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS :

• Supports development and execution of strategic communications and stakeholder engagement plans, key messages, programs and campaigns for assigned large transmission projects, business initiatives and external-facing priorities using project information, stakeholder insights, research, analytics and approved business strategies.
• Creates, coordinates and prepares written, visual and digital content for internal and external channels, including presentations, talking points, fact sheets, newsletters, web and social media content, video and other communication materials, for leadership review and approval prior to release.
• Supports internal business partners on communications strategy and provides executive and communications support.
• Serves as communications liaison for assigned business units and initiatives and helps manage campaigns, communication workstreams and cross-functional initiatives to support consistent messaging, timely execution and alignment with business objectives.
• Plans, coordinates and supports community outreach, public engagement, education, advocacy activities, project-related meetings, open houses and public events at the direction of leadership and consistent with approved messaging. Facilitates stakeholder discussions, de-escalates difficult interactions and escalates matters that present significant reputational, political, regulatory or business risk.
• Drafts project messaging, media statements, press releases, presentations and other communication materials for leadership review and approval; responds to media or public inquiries related to assigned initiatives only within approved messaging, leadership direction and escalation protocols; and supports proactive opportunities to tell Dairyland’s project and company story.
• Communicates effectively with leadership, the board of directors, Dairyland Managers Association, internal and external project teams, member cooperatives, regional stakeholders and other audiences to provide updates, support understanding of communication and stakeholder engagement plans and strengthen support for assigned initiatives.
• Measures results and evaluates the effectiveness of communication and stakeholder engagement strategies, tactics and materials. Tracks communication metrics, analyzes stakeholder feedback and recommends improvements to strengthen outreach, message awareness, stakeholder understanding and support.
• Supports government affairs, communications, grants, regulatory affairs and other internal partners in developing communication strategies, messaging and materials needed to support project, business and regulatory objectives. As needed, supports Dairyland’s broader internal and external communication initiatives, major projects, emergency events and general communications activities.
• Performs other job-related duties as assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS :

Education & Experience : Bachelor’s degree in public relations, marketing, communications or related field with minimum of five (5) years of experience in communications, external affairs, community engagement and/or government relations. Must have a comprehensive knowledge of the utility industry. Utility (or related field) major project communications management experience preferred.

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities :

• Ability to manage high-stakes discussions and difficult stakeholder interactions in a high-conflict environment; remain composed, listen actively, communicate clearly, de-escalate conflict and protect Dairyland Power Cooperative’s relationships, reputation and project objectives.

• Strong strategic planning, organizational and execution skills necessary to develop and implement complex internal and external communication plans, outreach strategies, campaigns and cross-functional initiatives.

• Excellent verbal, written, digital/social media and interpersonal communication skills, including highly proficient writing and editing using proper grammar, advanced composition techniques, journalistic standards and AP style.

• Ability to communicate utility- and cooperative-related issues and challenges to varied audiences, including leadership, internal partners, member cooperatives, regional stakeholders and the public.

• Strong judgment, tact, discretion and courtesy in oral and written communications, including the ability to professionally support Dairyland communications in business, legislative and public forums, potentially including the news media, while operating within approved messaging, leadership direction and established escalation protocols.

• Goal-oriented self-starter with initiative, attention to detail and ability to work effectively with minimal supervision while managing shifting priorities, stressful situations and decisions under pressure.

• Ability to collaborate with colleagues across functions and business lines, influence co-workers who are not direct reports, work effectively with peers and all levels of management and demonstrate Dairyland’s core values.

• Solution-oriented, creative thinker with strong leadership attributes and ability to motivate others, including teammates.

• Proven safety-first leadership commitment to foster a culture of safety and excellence, with ability to quickly learn and follow Dairyland policies and procedures.

Physical Demands: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk or hear. The employee frequently is required to stand/sit; walk; use hands/fingers to handle or feel; and reach with hands and arms. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

BENEFITS:

We are committed to providing our greatest asset, our People, with as many perks and benefits as possible. Some benefits of working with us include:

• Health & disability benefits (medical, dental, vision, short & long-term disability)

• Life insurance

• Generous 401(k) and Pension Plans

• Paid Time Off

• Robust Wellness Program

• New Flexible Work Program

• Tuition Reimbursement

• So much more!

Dairyland Power Cooperative is an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to race, age, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran or disability status.

If you are an individual with disabilities who needs accommodation or you are having difficulty using our website to apply for employment, contact our HR Department at View phone number on aiapply.co.